What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

A Humble Thank you, Friends!


I thought this picture of "me"...well not of me, would get your attention better than the real picture below. We could all use a little humor, couldn't we?


Just wanted to say "Thank you" to all my friends who prayed for me today while I had the epidural put into my neck!


I'm sure you never expected me to post pictures of that, now did you? But those of you who know me know that a camera is my main means of communication...and the selfie was a dangerous invention.
LOL.

While I am still recovering from the effects of the mild sedation (thankfully even though I could hear them talking, the "pain" was mild and more like prickly pressure points...), I am very thankful that I came through the procedure very well, and hubby even took me out to lunch on the way home!

I was surprised that the injection was not into my neck at all, but rather into my back! And apparently they inserted a catheter that directed the medicine into my neck, with the use of an x-ray picture, to the exact places where it needed to be!  So thankful for modern medical inventions!

If you are a bit squeamish, don't worry, these pictures aren't very graphic...just educational.
When the nurse came and wrote this on my neck to mark the spot, I thought for sure that was were the needle would be going. To be honest, I was not really crazy about that idea, but figured that was what they had to do to get it right:
You can imagine my surprise (and relief!) when I felt them inserting the needle into my upper back instead of the neck! It felt like they were making quite a few "holes" in my back and I thought I was going to look like a pin cushion when done, but again I was in a for a pleasant surprise when I looked in the mirror and found this very small bandaid, about the size of a quarter, (but the padded gauze part was more like a dime)

Wait, who has that freckly, moley, age-spotted, wrinkly old woman's back? that can't be MY back! LOL.

Anyway, I am humbling myself to send you these pictures to thank you for your prayers, and also to encourage you if you have to have such a procedure done, don't be afraid! It wasn't as bad as I feared, and definitely GOD was with me because I know so many were praying! (He would have been there anyway, because God is ALWAYS everywhere present!) But the prayers helped ME to feel relaxed and calm.  Thank you all for being special friends who care!


There are so many of our friends out there who are going through difficult things...I won't name them all because I am sure I would miss someone...but suffice it to say many are enduring pain, loss, grief, serious health issues or other family/personal issues that bring great concerns.  I am glad that we can support one another here and show compassion when needed most. Many of us have already been through our own troubles and trials, and therefore we are able to comfort others as we have been comforted...just as has been explained to us here:

2nd Corinthians 1:3-4

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

And yes, I will continue with the physical therapy as directed to help strengthen my neck muscles so they can support my neck better so the nerves won't be so pinched...the epidural will hopefully relieve the tension and inflammation so I can proceed with the exercises without so much pain! That's the plan, so we will just keep praying and plugging along. 

Thank you again!! God bless you all, and have a wonderful rest of your week!!
 

29 comments:

  1. This is an excellent report, Pam! I am glad and thankful the procedure went well, even better than expected. Thanks be to our Lord for His faithfulness to you!

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    1. Thank you, Barbara, for your prayers and encouragement. I am feeling much better today and so very thankful. Looking forward to Saturday!!

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  2. Very glad that you were brave and that this procedure is over. May it work just as it is supposed to. Well done, you!

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    1. Thank you, Vee. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, so I praise God and am VERY thankful! Feeling some better today, so I look forward to better days ahead. God is good! Thank you.

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  3. Oh, what great and wonderful news you have shared here today, Pamela! Yes, please know I will keep praying for you and your complete recovery from your neck infirmities. The Lord knows what we need before we ask, and I'm sure He's looking out for you in love and hope.
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. I am very thankful to be feeling better today, and trusting that this will help me get the PT I need to strengthen my neck more and to help relieve the pain. God is good, and He is working it all out!

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  4. Prayers will continue!! Praise God it is done and you are home and blogging already! Looking forward to a hug this coming Saturday!! xo

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    1. Thank you, Terri. So far so good! I think the steroids have kicked in and I am a little hyper, but I feel a lot better, so I am very thankful! Looking forward to Saturday!!! Don't squeeze me TOO tight, however! LOL.

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  5. I did not realize you were going through all of that. I will be praying for you!

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    1. Thank you, Lori. It's been a gradual pain situation with my neck, and I am trying to keep from having to have surgery by getting PT to help strengthen the muscles, etc., but was having too much pain, so the epidural hopefully will help! So far so good!

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  6. Thanks for the update! I hope you will feel better soon!

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    1. Thank you, Susan. I do feel better today! Hoping this will last! God is good.

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  7. So happy the procedure is over. Prayers continue to be with you!

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    1. Thank you, Gloria! Me too, and I do appreciate the prayers so much. I feel much better today!! Praise God!

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  8. Oh my word, girl. You've got me cracking up -- that meme, and your refreshing candor. Truly, this is an education for anyone who might be facing such a procedure now or in the future. (Still praying!)

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    1. Ha Ha, Myra! I'm glad you caught the humor. I was beginning to wondering if I'd been too silly, but I'm glad you appreciated it! I am feeling pretty good today, and very thankful!!! God is good!

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  9. I am so glad to hear all went well. I was able to read your last post and enjoyed it so much. I am still very busy helping my daughter but I wanted to let you know I am glad all went well.

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    1. Thank you, Sandy! I feel very humbled that you would take the time to write me while caring for your daughter and her new baby and of course, Tucker! I've been wondering how you are all doing. Praying for you and can't wait to hear more and see pictures when you are ready! Thank you so much for this sweet message!

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  10. Ouch. Been there, done that. I pray the pain is completely gone and you no longer need any treatments. Funny, I could see you smiling even with the mask. *giggle* You're so precious. Enjoy the meeting with Terri this weekend! Wish me and Steve could join in with y'all!
    Blessings. xx

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    1. Maybe sometime we can plan that! Or, just come on down to Micanopy on Saturday around 11:00 and meet us for lunch! You would be VERY welcome.

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  11. Pam: You are one brave soul. Prayers going up for you.

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    1. Thank you Cecelia. I don't know how brave I am. I was pretty nervous about it, and then afterwards thought, "what was I so worried about? God was with me, and He took care of everything!" So praise God!! And I feel a lot better today.
      Thank you all for your prayers. That means a lot.

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  12. Praise God! Glad it went well!

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    1. Thank you, yes, Praise God indeed! I am very thankful.

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  13. Praise God. Whenever I've had to have a procedure done, they worry about it beforehand was always worse than the actual thing.

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    1. Yes, Praise God, and yes, I agree with you. I was concerned they would hit the wrong thing with the needle and cause more damage or something crazy like that, and God knew all along there was no such danger...and He kept me safe and today I am feeling so much better. I am very thankful indeed.

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  14. Pam I am real glad you got through the procedure just fine!! I'm like you---I definetly would've thought they were going to put the needle in my NECK!!--THAT'S THE WAY IT SOUNDS---glad it was actually in your back, that just SEEMS easier to take, doesn't it?? Least to me it does. LOL I hope this helps your neck and you are feeling lots better! I loved the previous post about your home. Your home looks SO MUCH LIKE OURS....all the framed portraits, jewelry, QUILTS, dainty cups and pretty plates and saucers, dolls, souvineers and mementoes,so much nostalgia....and BOOKS---it all looks so familiar. We are so much alike. I could walk right into your home and "feel right at home" for sure. I always love a peek into people's things and treasures....but it's especially fun when it's a good friend! Love ya! take care of yourself!!

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    1. Thank you so much Debbi! I am feeling so much better now...I am very thankful I was able to have this done. It really seems to be helping. I am glad you enjoyed the Home Tour. I do have a lot of STUFF, but it all has meaning to me, so it is hard to let go. I decided why should I let go of things that are special and have meaning? As long as they still bring joy, there is no reason to get rid of them. Someday our kids will have to figure out what to do with them, but until then, we will enjoy them. They are connections to our loved ones from the past who meant so much to us. And then there is Lily Grace, who is a connection to a dear new friend now! That makes her extra special, like you! Have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week. Love, Pam

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  15. Very well said. I will continue to pray for you and that the therapy will give you the relief you need. Take care and God Bless.

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